Alphabetic Guide to Child Care - Baby-sitters

Baby-sitters

Whenever anyone other than a parent is responsible for the well-being of children, great care should be taken in selecting the individual. Baby-sitters should get along well with your children, feel comfortable dispensing reasonable disciplinary measures should the children misbehave, and be capable of taking charge in case an emergency situation develops.

Ground Rules

All aspects of the sitter's responsibilities and privileges should be covered in conversations before the first sitting. Parents should clearly explain their expectations of the sitter and details should be ironed out, including pay scale and whether or not the sitter is allowed to invite company over.

Clear and explicit instructions should always be left with the sitter about what to do and who to call in the event of an emergency, including important telephone numbers, such as where you can be reached.